Hoca Ali Riza’s artwork was stolen from the museum and replaced with photocopies

It has been uncovered that thirteen sketches by Hoca Ali Riza as well as five paintings in the Ankara Art and Sculpture Museum have gone missing.

Thirteen sketches by Hoca Ali Riza, considered one of the most significant figures in Turkey’s art history have gone missing from the Ankara Art and Sculpture Museum. In addition, five paintings have also been stolen, and it turns out some of the sketches were replaced with photocopied versions.

MISSING ARTWORK REVEALED DURING INVENTORY 

The thievery of the Ankara Art and Sculpture Museum, which houses significant pieces in the Turkish art world, was unveiled through an inventory of the artwork kept in the museum’s storage. An investigation into the incident has been initiated by police who were informed by Museum Director Ömer Osman Gündoğdu.  

CHARCOAL SKETCHES MISSING 

Out of the 18 pieces that have been stolen from the museum, 13 belonged to Hoca Ali Riza, one of the pioneers of Turkey’s art world. The pieces stolen were replaced with photocopies and fake sketches. The artists of the five tableaus, which were taken from their frames, are yet to be determined. 

POSSIBILITY OF AN ‘ORDERED BURGLERY’ 

Both police and experts are speculating it may have been an inside job and are stating: “They were assisted by someone on the inside. The sketches kept in storage were targeted under the perception they were the least secure and could disappear undetected. This was an ordered burglary.”